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City Council Study Session - 08/16/04 Minutes - Page 13 Councilmember Kough sought clarification on how the street light assessment would be billed to residents; City Manager Beets responded. Mayor Klausing sought clarification of impacts to residents related to more closely tying costs to usage. City Manager Beets responded that, actual costs for street light operation would be spread throughout the City. Further discussion included impacts to industrial and! or commercial users. Councilmember Schroeder reviewed his perspective on current street light installations within the City, opining that some were below standard, some adequate, and some unnecessary. Councilmember Schroeder further opined that, prior to a consideration of a street light assessment, an overview of the City's street light system would be more appropriate. Councilmember Schroeder concluded by opining that whether identified as a "fee" or a "tax," the results were the saIne for taxpayers, and the City Council should be forthright. Councilmember Schroeder further opined his opposition to consideration of a utility franchise fee, as suggested by staff to consider using funds to underground utilities, noting the estiInated cost to individual parcels didn't justify the expense, and the return would not be realized for many years. Councilmember Schroeder noted that while a franchise fee would increase City revenue and relieve the levy, he was of the opinion that such a fee not be earmarked for undergrounding of utilities. Councilmember Schroeder sought clarification as to whether loss of right-of-way permit fees would be eliminated if the City entered into franchise agreements; City Manager Beets responded that permit fees were negligible. Councilmember Schroeder referenced the staff reports prepared as part of the agenda packet by Public Works Director Duane Schwartz and Assistant Public Works Director Deb Bloom dated